JUKI DDL-5550 Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

I would normally be hesitant about making such a big purchase without trying it out first, but I've used a very similar model at the sewing studio I go to and already knew it was a great machine. This particular model is made in Japan whereas the 8700 is made in China. I figured for $100 more I couldn't go wrong with the Japanese made model. I specifically bought this machine from Amazon because it comes fully assembled at no extra cost (a lot of other online retailers charge you extra for shipping an assembled machine). I'm pretty handy, but there are so many little parts to put together I didn't want to bother assembling it myself.It comes on a pallet and you should have moving help as it is extremely heavy. I hired some movers to bring it upstairs to my sewing room. All you have to do is screw on the thread holder, add oil and plug it in- it is ready to sew! I will also add that it comes with a pack of needles, a bobbin, bobbin case, two screwdrivers and a bottle of oil. I bought extra bobbins and presser feet as it only comes with one. It does come with instructions, but I did a quick search online and found some very useful online tutorials about how to thread. Once you get the hang of it, it's easier than a home machine.As far as performance, this machine can't be beat. It sews over thick layers of fabric without any complaint. I'm currently sewing a historically accurate Renaissance gown which requires lots of layers of fabric and trim- this machine just zips through it without a worry. It is extremely quiet and has an adjustable speed motor so you can turn it on low until you get more comfortable using it. Another great feature is the built-in bobbin winder- you can sew and wind a bobbin at the same time and it will automatically stop once it's full.If you are a hobby sewer like me, you might be wondering if you actually need an industrial machine. The answer is you probably don't NEED it, but it sure does make sewing a much more enjoyable experience. If you compare the cost of this machine to high-end home machines like Bernina or Pfaff, it is a no-brainer. The caveat is this machine only does one stitch- straight- but it does it better than any home machine can. I can't even remember the last time I used a stitch other than straight on my home machine anyway. I kept my Singer home machine just in case I ever want to do a fancy stitch, but I don't see myself using it very much now that I have the Juki. Now I find myself planning a lot more projects as this machine has made sewing a joy and not a frustration!

This is the 2nd time we have ordered these machines. The first time the 2 that we ordered were great. This time one of the machines was missing the needle thread guide pin. It is worth purchasing the part instead of sending the whole machine back but for the price we would want a complete package.

My first own sewing machine is a home sewing machine, but this machine is way better, the stitch quality, the hold of the fabric and the accuracy of the tension, home sewing machine cant be this good. Of course you still need to know how to adjust the foot pressure, tension of machine and the bobbin case sometimes to make it even better, but when it came in it was already set nicely.I love the easy adjustment for seeing speed on the bottom too. It is definitely worth investing on!It come well in package for safety, its really hard to take them apart from the big screw on the planks but its worth it.I would have given it 5 starts if the light is working on the table, I think its broken, the light is placed on the sewing machine and plug to the sewing machine, when I use my table light to plug to the sewing machine it works so I'm pretty sure it arrive defective.otherwise its great! Its not very clear how to open up the machine to pour the solution in so its pretty tricky unless you know what to do, have to think yourself where to unscrew. Good luck and enjoy!

this machine was sold as a package deal that included machine head, servo motor, sewing table and ergonomic chair. The machine is perfect, the motor is perfect---- the table doesn't fit the machine, and the chair was never received. The seller refuses to make adjustment. Juki is a good brand..,., this store is a rip off.

This product seems like it was refurbished or used. I am not happy with it at all.

We've now had this machine for a year and a few months...I was a parachute rigger in the Army for 3 years and one of our many jobs was repairing parachutes using 'light duty' machines that are similar to this one. We had Brothers, Consew, and Singer machines and all were basically the same duty and purpose as this one. Between all of those machines, I prefer the Juki that I ordered here. I realize that the ones we used in the Army were a decade old or more but even after adjusting/repairing our old machines, they never ran as smooth as this one does.Now, if you are wanting a machine that does zig-zag stitches or anything else besides a great straight stitch, this is not the machine for you. This is a straight stitch only but let me tell you... It is probably the greatest straight stitch that you could get. If you use one at home for things like quilting or other projects that only require straight stitches, you will never go back to your little home machine again.I have been used to using industrial machines for a while now so I was not leery of it a bit but my wife was. I turned the motor down for her (another great advantage of a servo motor) and she got used to it very quickly. She hates using the old plastic singer machine now. This one is just so solid. If you've got any questions about the machine just post them like normal on this page and I'll continue to answer them the best that I can but please read the questions that have been posted so far like "Where is it made..".